REGENTSOKENROLLMENTADJUSTMENTFUNDINGFORFHSU

A request by Fort Hays State University for increased funding spurred by increased enrollment won the approval of the Kansas Board of Regents on Thursday.

Fort Hays State saw an enrollment increase of 132 students this fall.

For the fiscal year 2001 budget, Fort Hays is asking for an addition of $357,000.

The other regional universities, Emporia State and Pittsburg State did not have changes in enrollment large enough to justify changes in their budgets for the upcoming fiscal year.

Kansas University, Kansas State University and Wichita State University do not receive enrollment-adjustment funding. They are under a formula called tuition accountability. In essence, that means if the universities increase enrollment and, thus, increase tuition income, they get to keep the money. By the same token, they can lose money if enrollment declines.

Wichita State faces a possible loss of $1.1 million in tuition income for fiscal year 2001 because of declining enrollment. But the issue is far from certain.

The figures at this point are only projections, and changes in enrollment could move the number up or down, said Wichita State President Donald Beggs.

KU is projecting a small decline of $200,000 for the year.

Kansas State may see an increase of $1.8 million because of increased enrollment.

The general fee estimates will be further revised in March, after spring enrollment numbers are final.

-- Erwin Seba's phone message number is 832-7145. His e-mail address is eseba@ljworld.com.